Chapter 11: Stepping into the Lion’s Den

The Road to the Capital

The victory in Ping Shui was only the beginning.

David Haipoli stood at the edge of the city, looking back at the people he had freed. The tyrant Lord Wu was dead, and in his place, a new order was forming—one built on resistance, not oppression. But David knew that holding a city was different from holding an empire.

If he wanted to reclaim what was stolen from him—his family's name, his legacy, his vengeance—he had to go to the heart of the empire.

He had to go to the capital.

---

A Dangerous Invitation

Three days after Lord Wu's fall, a rider arrived in Ping Shui.

David, along with Lily and Jiang, waited in the grand hall of Wu's former mansion—now their temporary headquarters. The rider, clad in the dark blue of the imperial court, stepped forward and unfurled a scroll.

"David Haipoli," the man announced, his voice echoing through the chamber. "By order of His Majesty, King Cassana of the Strength Empire, you are hereby summoned to the royal capital. His Majesty has heard of your deeds and wishes to speak with you in person."

Silence fell over the room.

Lily's eyes narrowed. "A royal summons?" she muttered. "That's either an honor or a trap."

Jiang crossed his arms. "More likely a trap."

David remained calm. He had expected this.

He had been making too much noise—defying lords, rallying rebels, reshaping the political balance in the empire. Of course, the king had taken notice.

But this wasn't just a summons.

This was an invitation into the lion's den.

David stepped forward, taking the scroll from the rider. He read it quickly, his mind already working through possibilities.

"You may tell His Majesty," David said evenly, "that I accept his invitation."

Lily turned to him sharply. "David, this is too dangerous."

David folded the scroll, his gaze unwavering. "If I refuse, I declare myself an enemy of the crown. If I go, I have a chance to see the true battlefield up close." He exhaled slowly. "The king wants to measure me. I intend to do the same to him."

Jiang grinned. "Then let's just hope you measure up, noble boy."

---

The Journey Begins

Two days later, David and a small group of his most trusted allies set out for the royal capital of Canglang.

The journey was long, passing through vast plains, towering mountains, and deep forests. Along the way, David took note of the empire's state—discontent brewing in the villages, heavy taxation weighing down the common folk, and whispers of rebellion spreading beyond Ping Shui.

"The empire is rotting," Lily observed as they rode. "The people are restless."

David nodded. "That's why the king summoned me. He sees what's happening, and he wants to know whether I'm a threat—or a tool he can use."

Jiang chuckled from his horse. "And which are you planning to be?"

David smirked. "Neither. I intend to be something far more dangerous."

---

The Capital of Kings

On the seventh day, they reached the gates of the royal capital—a massive fortress of white stone and gold, standing as a symbol of imperial power.

The streets were crowded with nobles, merchants, and soldiers, all moving beneath banners bearing the royal crest. It was a world unlike Ping Shui—where wealth flowed freely, and political games were played in whispered corridors.

David dismounted, his sharp gaze taking in everything. This was where the real war was fought—not with swords, but with words, alliances, and betrayal.

A group of palace guards awaited them. "Lord Haipoli," their captain said stiffly. "Follow us. The king awaits."

Lily and Jiang made to follow, but the guards stepped in their way.

"Only Lord Haipoli may enter."

Jiang scowled. "Not happening."

David raised a hand, stopping him. "It's fine." He turned to his friends, his voice low. "Stay in the city. Gather information. I need to know everything about the capital before we make our next move."

Lily hesitated but finally nodded. "Be careful."

David gave her a small smile. "Always."

And with that, he stepped into the heart of power alone.

---

The King's Judgment

The royal palace was a place of cold beauty, its marble halls lined with statues of past rulers. Every step David took was watched, every move measured.

At last, he was led into the throne room.

Seated upon an ornate golden throne was King Cassana—an aging but formidable man, his presence commanding. Around him stood nobles, generals, and advisors, all watching David with interest and suspicion.

"So," the king said, his deep voice filling the hall, "this is the man who took Ping Shui."

David bowed slightly—not too deep, just enough to show respect without submission.

"Your Majesty," he said smoothly. "I was merely removing a tyrant."

The king's lips curled into a knowing smile. "And in doing so, you claimed a city. A bold move."

David met his gaze without fear. "I only did what needed to be done. Your people suffer under men like Wu. Someone had to act."

A murmur spread through the court. Some nodded in approval, others whispered in discontent.

The king leaned forward. "You intrigue me, Lord Haipoli. Some call you a hero, others a rebel. Tell me—what is it that you want?"

David knew this was the true test. His answer would decide his place in this court.

He chose his words carefully.

"I want a strong empire," he said. "An empire where men like Wu have no place. Where the people do not live in fear of their rulers. Where strength is earned, not inherited."

The silence was heavy.

Then the king chuckled. "Spoken like a man who understands power."

He turned to his court. "Lord Haipoli will remain in the capital as my guest. I would see what he is truly capable of."

David bowed once more. "An honor, Your Majesty."

As he rose, he met the gaze of a tall, armored figure standing to the king's right—Prince Erik, the king's eldest son and a man known for his ruthless ambition.

Their eyes locked. A silent war had begun.

---

The First Move in a Deadly Game

That night, as David settled into the guest chambers, he knew that he had entered a new battlefield.

The capital was not a place of swords and open war. It was a place of secrets, betrayals, and shifting alliances.

If he wanted to survive here, he would need more than just strength.

He would need to outplay them all.

And so, with the city at his feet and the court watching his every move, David Haipoli prepared to take his first step toward the throne of power.